Suntory Makes It M&A Time with IPO to Stir Drinks Makers

Bloomberg Businessweek

30 May 2013

Japan-based Suntory Holdings Ltd., which owns brands like Yamazaki whiskey and Orangina, is stepping into the drinks M&A scene again, selling up to $4.7 billion of shares to fund acquisitions, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek article. In the article, Yukihiro Wada, head of Kurt Salmon’s Japan practice, predicts any big Suntory acquisition would have a significant impact on the international drinks market. “Just the listing may not be enough for Suntory to take on global rivals such as Pepsi (PEP) and Coca-Cola, but it’s getting there,” he said. “It will have the financial strength to go ahead with big acquisitions.”